MORE PICS – MICROCHIP ROBBERY; 20 came, 4 as RELA MEMBERS; Drugged 17 in BAX GLOBAL (Penang) - Carted 2 Containers CHIPS & ACC=RM47 M (US12.7 Mil)
BETTER Late Than NEVER – 7 STOP-GAP Measures to TIGHTEN Security AT FREE Commercial Zones; SECURITY FIRM with ARMED PERSONNEL Appointed;From 7am to
The Datuk is too busy has too many things on his hands. He is involved in the recent Ferry disaster and the 3 LRT accidents and has announced ALL the findings would be made public (as demanded by Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye) but NOT a single one on the LRT has been disclosed even though the first report has been submitted. What is going on at the Transport Ministry? Op Sikap is still on?
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Maskargo security guards to have more powers; News Update by The Star News Desk ;
Tightened Airport Security Among Immediate Measures, Says Chan;
Transport Minister Datuk Seri Chan Kong Choy (above right)said they include instructing MASKargo to appoint a security firm whose personnel would be equipped with firearms to guard the zones for 12 hours from
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UPDATE:
POLICE “on wild goose chase” on the STOLEN Microchips? Clueless and Without Tips Seek Interpol & Aseanpol for HELP & Believe Chips are Within Malaysia IF “Operasi Samudera Gagah” is effective. WHY NOT Offer a RM 1 Million REWARD to get the proper lead?
AFter 10 days, it looks like the police are running around in circles trying to catch the masterminds of this daring robbery. So far they seem to be taking a lot of potshots, arresting the likely “suspects”, remanded them and releasing them. So far 12 arrested and 8 released and more to come.
Without any positive leads and information, they will be arresting “other people” to try their luck. They can only believe (with the help of “Operasi Samudera Gagah”) the chips are still being hidden somewhere within the country and they cannot find them in Imbi plaza or
Perhaps our police are NOT high tech enough to monitor the cell phone chatter going on immediately after the robbery and employ other multi-media means. What about informers? No contacts with them? An also no offer NO REWARDS for this RM50 miiion heist?
So it looks like the robbery was a futile attempt as the goods are NOT easily disposable as ALL the microchips especially the CPU (Central p\processing units) are properly coded and marked.
Police Believe Stolen Microchips Still In The Country;
Bukit Aman CID director Datuk Christopher Wan Soo Kee (ABOVE)said the conclusion was made based on information received from the Interpol and Aseanpol. "The Interpol and Aseanpol have been assisting us to monitor the entry and exit points in the Asian countries. They will inform us if they succeed in tracing the loot," he told reporters here Thursday. Thursday, three more people were remanded for seven days to assist in police investigation. Nine others were remanded but eight have been released. Wan said police will continue to track down the robbers and trace the whereabout of the missing microchips and CPUs. He said the heist was well planned and executed. Twenty robbers, four of them posing as Rela members, stormed the cargo complex at
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Police Seek Interpol Help To Trace Stolen Microchips;
KUALA TERENGGANU, Nov 30 (Bernama) --
ABOVE & BELOW: The Three newly arrested suspects
In
He also said that a 25-year-old suspect (ABOVE) remanded for one week over the case was released Thursday after police found he was not involved. This brings to eight the number of suspects released so far over the case. Police had earlier arrested nine suspects after the heist but as of Monday seven of them had been released. Twenty robbers, four disguised as People's Volunteer Reserve (Rela) members, gained entry into complex at about 2.15 am and assaulted and drugged the workers there before carting away the items from a bonded warehouse belonging to an air delivery company.
Two More Microchip Robbery Suspects Released;
PENANG, Nov 29 (Bernama) -- Police Wednesday released two of four men still on remand to assist investigations into the Nov 20 robbery of microchips worth millions of ringgit at the Air Cargo Complex in Batu Maung here. State CID Chief SAC II Abdul Samah Mat said the duo, both in their 40s, were released unconditionally as they were found not to be involved in the case. He said the remaining two would be remanded until Dec 2. Police detained nine men over the robbery. Five of them were released over Sunday and Monday. Meanwhile, an integrated maritime operation, codenamed " ", involving several agencies in the Straits of Melaka since Nov 24 is also keeping watch for quarters which might attempt to smuggle the stolen microchips out of the country by sea. Maritime Enforcement Coordination Centre Deputy Director ACP Zainudin Mohd Tahir said the agencies involved in the operation included the police, Customs, Royal Malaysian Air Force, Immigration Department and the Fisheries Department.
No Rela Members Involved In Microchip Heist;
Abdul Rahman also said the government would continue to train and guide Rela officers to prevent them from abusing their authority. "Thus far, the level of discipline among Rela members is very high,?????????????" he said. Meanwhile, Abdul Rahman revealed that the country had 463,097 Rela members as of Sept this year. He also said that the government would soon provide a second set of uniform for Rela members who are active. "In terms of allowance, we will only pay them when they attend training," he added.
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MORE Pictures: RM50 Million Microchips ROBBERY: Containers Used In Microchips Robbery Stolen Last September; Container Chassis Altered; ENGINE NO: Remains; Police Baffled: WHERE have ALL the CHIPS GONE?
ABOVE & BELOW: The "Bomb Detector Robot" was used to determine if the containers were "bobby trapped"
UPDATE:
One Of Two Containers Used In Microchips Robbery Stolen Last September;
The container lorry, which had been repainted white with the container chassis number altered, had been reported missing in Dengkil, Selangor, said Penang CID Chief SAC II Abdul Samah Mat.
The lorry, which bore the name of Lee Ting San Lorry Transports Sdn Bhd with the address in Bayan Lepas, was actually registered under the name of a different company in Jalan Simpang, Taiping, Perak, he said. Abdul Samah said police were still checking to determine whether the second container lorry, which had also been repainted white and had the container chassis number altered, was also stolen as there was no missing report. The container lorry also bore the name of Lee Ting San Lorry Transports Sdn Bhd but was actually registered under the name of a different company in Sungai Chua, Selangor. Police yesterday found two container lorries with registration plates PGG 7026 and PGF 5806 abandoned in Taman Idaman, Simpang Ampat, here. They were empty.
ABOVE: Checks on the engine chassis revealed no change; only the body chassis number has been altered; BELOW: A bolt cutter had to be used to cut open the lock
Tests by police revealed that the engine number and chassis number on the front part of the vehicles were intact while the chassis number on the containers had been altered. Police believe the containers were repainted white about a month ago. In the robbery last Monday, 20 men, four disguised in the uniform of the People's Volunteer Corps (Rela), broke through security at the air cargo complex and escaped with two containers of microchips
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Stolen trucks may have been used;
The robbers loaded the microchips into two containers before escaping. SAC Abdul Samah said the police had found that the other truck also had false registration plate PGF 5806, adding that they had yet to verify the address and other details. “The Chemistry Department and a police forensics team have been called in to assist in investigations. The team has to scratch out the container’s paint to identify the actual address of the trailer,” he added. He said that the police had also contacted the Road Transport Department to verify the chassis and engine numbers. So far, nine suspects have been arrested to assist in the investigations. On why the CCTV camera failed to capture the containers’ image on
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UPDATE: 25th Nov 2006
On record, the Transport Minister is clueless and ineffective (maybe good in Chinese Studies, his major) and paled by comparison to health Minister (Datuk Dr Chua So Lek, a qualified Medical Doctor). Datuk Ong Tee Kiat (a Mechanical Engineer would be a better replacement in the Transport Ministry).
A F T E R EVERY Big Accident or Incident, he would start giving Orders & Deadlines demanding REPORTS and Suggestions and forget about them. Can anyone bother to ask him his bold declaration that the LRT incidents would be made public? (see previous post). His announcement that Motor cyclist would be required to purchase additional crash helmets (see previous post) etc etc. His U-turn in the appointment of a foreign consultant for the LRT investigations. His “messed up” MAS rationalization plans for domestic routes and the joke of it all is at the recent Aviation meeting in
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Stolen Containers Found, Microchips Still Missing, Says
ABOVE & BELOW: The lane in which the containers were found; newly constructed shoplots but unoccupied. The Police should have opend UP all these shoplots and determine whether the misising microchips have been hidden inside
The empty containers were found abandoned at Lorong Kendi 7 in
State Police Chief Datuk Koh Hong Sun said the containers were found at about
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Police Believe Stolen Microchips Still In The Country;
NIBONG TEBAL, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- Police believe the computer microchips and equipment worth RM50 million stolen from the Batu Maung Commercial Air Cargo Complex are still in the country.
CID Director Datuk Christopher Wan Soo Kee said that though the two containers found in Taman Idaman, Simpang Empat, Seberang Perai Selatan here today were empty, police were confident the stolen goods have not been taken out of the country. He told reporters the special team comprising Bukit Aman and
Wan said the discovery of the two empty containers in Lorong Kendi 7, Taman Idaman posed a bigger challenge to the police force. He said that based on the condition of the containers, they were believed to have been stolen and given new coats of white paint and have the name "Lee Ting San Lorry Transport Sdn Bhd" pasted on using dark blue tape. The company address was listed as 103-E, Lengkok Kampung Jawa 2, 11800 Bayan Lepas,
"We believe that the robbers painted the lorries and containers before committing the robbery," he added. Wan said the two container lorries were abandoned in the area as it was quiet as the shops there have yet to open for business. The containers were found at
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UPDATE 24 Nov 06
Microchips Heist: One More Suspect Remanded Friday; November 24, 2006 19:24 PM PENANG, Nov 24 (Bernama) -- One more suspect was remanded Friday to assist the police in their investigation into the RM50-million microchip heist at the Air Cargo Complex in Batu Maung here on Monday, bringing to nine the number detained so far.
ABOVE & BELOW: Another Suspect detained bringing a Total of NINE
The Balik Pulau Magistrate's Court allowed the police to remand the suspect, a 25-year-old worker at the complex, for seven days until Nov 30. According to a police spokesman, the man was detained at his work place at about
TWO MORE Suspects detained a Total of EIGHT
Two More Suspects Remanded Over Microchips Heist;
PENANG, Nov 23 (Bernama) -- Two more men (see Below) were remanded today in connection with the RM50-million microchips heist at the air cargo complex in Batu Maung here on Monday, bringing to eight the total number of suspects remanded so far over the case.
At the Balik Pulau Magistrate's court, a 53 year-old suspect was ordered to be remanded until Nov 29, while at the Georgetown Magistrate's court, a 33-year-old man was ordered to be remanded until Dec 5. The older suspect was arrested in Balik Pulau at
MORE Suspects detained a Total of Six (below another two)
Update 2: Nov 23 06;
And from the Senior Manager, MASKargo
Maskargo Senior Manager Datuk Ong Jyh Jong,: “I cannot comment on it. I can only say this to you. Investigation is not complete and who is responsible for it. Then if we are very sure; then I think we have to own up. whoever is responsible. If we are then we own up.
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Koh Certain Investors' Confidence Will Return;
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Batu Maung Complex Authorities Given One Week To Upgrade Security;
PUTRAJAYA, Nov 22 (Bernama) -- Those responsible for security at the Batu Maung Air Cargo Complex in
Chan said the Cabinet was concerned over the issue and had directed that immediate action be taken. He said that a committee led by the ministry's officials and comprising the stake holders, freight forwarders, Malaysia Airlines (MAS), Malaysia Airports Holdings Berhad (MAHB) and Customs had been been set up to look into suggestions to enhance security at the complex made by Penang Police Chief Datuk Koh Hong Sun.
He had suggested that MAS security personnel at the two air cargo complexes near the Penang International Airport in Bayan Lepas be given auxiliary police powers and also be allowed to carry firearms. "In this case, because the authority appointed by the Treasury to look after security in the Free Commercial Zone is MAS, so the security guards were not armed. "I think it is high time that they should look into it (the suggestions) seriously. That would be very helpful to enhance the security system," Chan said. Chan also wanted to see the Electronic Declaration system, which had been introduced by MAS to facilitate freight forwarding, be implemented as soon as possible.
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It is just TOO MUCH for the Maskargo Senior Manager Datuk Ong Jyh Jong, in an exclusive interview with TV3 to say that TIPS or the information given Must have specifics. Heads should roll over this lack of ACTION.
“We are only in charge of perimeter fencing & the gate control. What is inside the complex, the properties we don’t own them, the people who works inside there; we don’t employ them. They have control over the gates, doors, the locks and the people they work. In the complex, if the goods are in our own control, we have the responsibility not only over the movement of the goods but the security. But it is not under our custody, obviously there is NOTHING much we can do.
There was in fact a message to say that there might be an event to take place in KLIA or
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MASKargo, MAB Told To Step Up Security;
"Patrols of the area should also be carried more frequently to beef up security there," he said. Koh said CCTVs should also be installed in and outside the guardhouse as well as at the surrounding areas. "The guards should record personal details or identities of those entering and leaving the complex," he added. In Monday's incident, a group of 20 robbers, four of whom were wearing the uniform of the People's Voluntary Corps (RELA), entered the cargo complex at Batu Maung and staged the nation's biggest heist. They broke into a bonded warehouse belonging to an air delivery service company at the complex, located near the Penang International Airport, and drove away with two containers of computer parts and chips estimated to be worth RM50 million.
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Security Guard Among Four Men Held In RM50 Mln Microchip Theft;
PENANG, Nov 21 (Bernama) -- Four suspects, including a man, believe to be a security guard, have been detained in connection with yesterday's theft of two container trailers laden with microchips worth about RM50 million from the second Batu Maung Free Commercial Zone Complex. State police chief Datuk Koh Hong Sun said one of them was arrested at a house in Tanah Merah, Kelantan, at
The suspects detained and remanded
"Nevertheless, we know more or less the people involved and we are working on it," he said. With the cooperation of various parties including the Police Air Wing and Marine Police and by mounting roadblocks, a massive manhunt had been launched to track down the robbers who fled with the containers. All airports and ports in the country have been alerted on the theft and their cooperation sought to trace the containers' movements. "We are seeking the cooperation of those who have information on the theft including the claim by a local newspaper that plans about the robbery was known earlier," he said. He advised the media not to make any assumption on the case including on the actual number of microchips stolen and its worth as the robbery was still under investigations and would be brought to court later. Koh said a comprehensive investigation would be carried out to ascertain whether insiders were involved and the robbery was planned in cohorts with personnel using the Rela uniform.
He said police have also roped in the Interpol to assist in investigations. A Rela spokesman said investigations are underway to determine whether Rela members were involved based on the use of the Rela uniform by the robbers. "So far, we've no information on the involvement of our personnel in the heist," he said. Meanwhile, Northern Region Marine Police commander ACP Zainol Abidin Hassan said all the 16 boats patrolling the waters in the northern region from Langkawi to Port Klang have been alerted about the heist and ordered to check on suspected ships, boats and sampans. He said marine policemen have been ordered to be on the look-out for boats leaving the
It would take between five to six hours to reach the country's border by using the sea route as compared to by road, he added. In the 2.15am incident yesterday, two container trailers driven by men in Rela uniform did not raise any suspicion when they arrived at the complex.The "Rela personnel" told the customs officers manning the checkpoint that they were there to flush out illegal workers and instructed them not to alert the people inside the complex. Once they were inside the complex, the four bogus Rela men opened the doors of the containers and out leapt more than 20 robbers armed with parang.
Warehouse Robbery: Two Containers Of Microchips Stolen;
ABOVE & BELOW: The targeted Warehouse BAX Global, an air freight forwarding agency in MASKARGO Complex Penang
ABOVE & BELOW: The workers at BAX Global could only talk about the well executed robbery to the Police after regaining consciousness
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ABOVE: CPO Pulau Pinang was embarassed to relate this robbery: "We don't know the exact cost, maybe several millions Ringgit. They also removed the CCTV cameras"
State police chief Datuk Koh Hung Sun said the incident happened at about
ABOVE & BELOW: The workers suffered bruises and were given outpatient in the Pulau Pinang Hospital
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PM Wants No Stone Unturned In Probe Into Microchip Robbery In
PUTRAJAYA, Nov 20 (Bernama) -- Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi wants police to immediately track down and arrest the robbers involved in the theft of millions of ringgit worth of microchips from an air cargo complex in
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and the STAR Report
A very well-planned job;
The first thing they did was to round up the 17 people in the area, including the two Customs officers and two Malaysia Airport Bhd personnel. To neutralise the threat of a fight-back, the robbers plied their captives with chloroform. Some were forced to drink a white solution which caused them to vomit. Anyone still standing was beaten with sticks. With the workers under guard, the rest of the robbers set to work on the microchips. In just an hour, they piled 585 cartons and 18 pallets of microchips and motherboards manufactured by a multi-national company in Bayan Lepas into the containers. The loot estimated to be worth US$12.7mil (RM46.99mil) was said to be the country’s biggest ever heist. And arguably the most audacious, too.
Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who was in Putrajaya, was livid when informed of the robbery. The Prime Minister was very angry over the lack of security. Chief Minister Tan Sri Dr Koh Tsu Koon who inspected the complex later in the evening said two suspects had been arrested but declined to give details. It is learnt that the suspects were workers at the complex. State police chief Deputy Comm Datuk Koh Hong Sun told a press conference that police got a call at
The 25-year-old driver, who wanted to be known only as Kumar, said two men in green uniforms complete with berets at the checkpoint ordered him to get out of his van. “I was a bit slow in getting down and one of them suddenly smashed my windscreen with his baton. They then dragged me out and beat me up. “They did not sound local ... most probably from out of state,” he said at the hospital. A source said the first of several batches of the computer chips was delivered to the warehouse on Saturday. The last shipment was at
posted by multidimid at 3:55 AM
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